Some things I've "homemade for the holidays" :
Pillow cases - favorite colors or themes
cell phone pouches to hang off the handles of a purse (no more digging through your bag looking for your ringing phone)
shopping bags (quilted and not) for my "green" friends and family members who don't want to use plastic or paper at the store
drawstring laundry bags for college kids or anybody who has to haul stuff to a laundrymat or a drycleaner
wild ironing board covers for sewing friends (made one that looked like a surfboard for a friend who lives by the ocean)
double-sided flannel scarves with winter appliques (think snowmen, pinecones and berries, sportsteams) and then make rag fringe for the ends
hope some of these ideas help.
jeanie in indiana